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Prepare for the EU Timber Regulation
"Demands for legal assurance for wood products is growing fast due to the introduction of the EU Timber Regulation, and similar legislation is either in place or under way in the US and Australia. Importers to the EU will need to assess their risk and work with their supply chain to meet the new requirements, which can be a daunting task. We have developed our LegalSource Gap Analysis tool to facilitate that process"
Michael Jakobsen, NEPCon Customer Relations Manager
EU has decided to ban illegal timber placed on the EU market. The new regulation will take full effect across all member states on 3 March 2013. If you import or sell wood or paper products on the EU market, you need to consider how you will prepare for these new market conditions.
Our Gap Analysis tool facilitates the process of initial supply chain screening. It lets you know where to concentrate your efforts in order to meet the new requirements - an important first step in your process of adaptation.
Key requirements
Although the detailed requirements of the EU legislation are yet to be developed, the overall legal framework is in place, and it is clear that importers of wood or paper products into the EU will be required to set up a 'due diligence system' covering the following key points:
.gif) 1. Supply chain mapping
2. Risk evaluation of the company's suppliers
3. Measures to reduce identified risks
4. Monitoring of the system's effectiveness.
"These are elements that are incorporated into many companies' sourcing policies today", says Michael Jakobsen, Customer Relations Manager at NEPCon. "NEPCon and the Rainforest Alliance have assisted a number of organisations in their efforts to reduce their forest footprint by evaluating risks and working with their supply chain. Based on the EU requirements and our experience with supply chain screening and management, we have developed the Gap Analysis concept, an efficient and targeted tool for importers of wood and paper products into the EU".
Why you should start preparing now
In order to secure the best market position once these requirements come into force, we recommend that you start preparing now by screening your suppliers and addressing existing risks in your supply chain.
.gif) This will allow you sufficient time to work with your suppliers as well as to identify and engage with new suppliers, if necessary.
Your existing suppliers may need to take specific action to ensure that they will meet your future demands. You will need to communicate your new requirements efficiently to your suppliers.
Ultimately, you will benefit from having solved key problems related to your supply chain at an early stage.
Benefit from our experience
You may consider involving external experts to ensure the quality of your preparation. Jointly with the Rainforest Alliance, we offer streamlined services based on our innovative Gap Analysis tool. We have comprehensive experience within the key areas of EU requirements:
Supply chain mapping and risk evaluation
Share in our know-how for working with simple or complex supply chains.
 Many companies, including organizations such as Marks & Spencer, Staples, and Unilever, are already benefitting from the Rainforest Alliance's expertise within supply chain mapping and risk assessment. We can
also assist with information and training of your suppliers, and we help identify relevant measures to reduce your risk.
Evaluating geographic risk
Expertise and updated and detailed knowledge on geographic risk connected to illegal harvesting is essential. NEPCon is taking a systematic and thorough approach to this issue.
 Together with FSC, NEPCon and Rainforest Alliance are the founders of the Global Forest Registry - an advanced online tool for identifying the risk of sourcing illegally harvested and other unacceptable wood from all regions of the world.
Strengthening your supply chain
Suppliers based in high-risk areas can still provide assurance for their products by obtaining credible legality verification.
 The Rainforest Alliance's timber legality program has been praised by Greenpeace, and the Verification of Legal Compliance (VLC) component is endorsed by the UK Central Point of Expertise on Timber Procurement (CPET), the Dutch Keurhout-Legal program, and the Danish Ministry of Environment .
Program participants have access to using the Rainforest Alliance VerifiedTM mark.
The program is growing fast based on recent developments in governmental policies and legislation in key global consumer markets. Among its long-term participants is one of the world's leading traders in tropical timber, DLH, and a number of its suppliers around the world.
Learn more about Gap Anaysis and supply chain screening
Learn more about legality verification
 If you wish to explore how we may help you prepare for the EU Due Diligence demands, please contact our Customer Relations Manager Michael Jakobsen at mkj@nepcon.net, cell phone + 45 2124 3852.
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